The Amazon remains one of the places in the world where biological expeditions to gather basic data make total sense. Many gaps in the knowledge of species distribution persist, combined with a high discovery rate of new species of birds and mammals (e.g. Mittermeier et al. 1992, Ferrari & Lopes 1992, Alperin 1993, Roosmalen et al. 1998, Silva-Junior & Noronha 1998, Roosmalen et al. 2000, Voss & Silva 2001, Roosmalen et al. 2002, Rohe et al. 2009, Boubli et al. 2008).
Overall, for many zoological groups areas of high species richness usually coincide with more heavily sampled areas. In the case of the Amazon, the cumulative sampling effort has not been sufficient to reveal the actual patterns of richness and composition for most animal and plant groups. Some of the large Amazonian rivers have not yet been sampled even superficially.
On a large scale, the efficiency of conservation strategies of Amazonian biodiversity depends upon the knowledge, even if basic, of the geographic distribution and species richness of the greatest possible number of organism groups. Once the data on species distribution are systematically stored in data banks, it becomes possible to assess the representativeness of the spatial distribution of protected areas on an Amazonian scale and then make adjustments to protect the greatest possible number of taxa, including both widely ranging species and endemic ones with restricted ranges.
Anaconda on the Nhamundá River
We propose here a project of expeditions with a twofold scope: first, biological collections to further the knowledge of species distribution patterns; and second, exhibits and a participative dialogue with riverside populations about the ecological and conservationist work in the Amazon. This is an opportunity to show the Amazonians’ view of the Amazon, teaching as they learn.
We urgently need to create real and effective mechanisms to promote a synergy between the traditional knowledge of Amazonian populations and academic scientific knowledge. Conservationist initiatives in the Amazon are not likely to succeed if both social segments are not taken into account.
This project will target regions of difficult access which, by dint of their isolation, lack biological and socio-environmental surveys. The sampling unit adopted will be the river basin, and the areas to be sampled have been determined according to the following criteria:
- Located in regions with excellent habitat conservation status.
- Harboring low population density and consequently having low human impact.
- With little or no scientific knowledge of various biological groups (vertebrates, invertebrates and plants).
- Potential for discovery of new species based on recent descriptions, biogeographic patterns of the different taxonomic groups and sampling gaps in the Brazilian Amazon.
Study areas
Determination of focal areas
The areas of major biological interest (with deficient or no biological data) were superposed on a map of human interference levels. This map follows the classification by WCS’s “Human Footprint”, created on the basis of infra-structure works and cumulative deforesting.
Figure 1 – Map of the sampling regions superposed on the “Human Footprint” database”.
Table 1 – Basin area and percent of deforested area up to 2005 (PRODES)
| River |
Area (km2) |
% deforested |
River basin |
| Jatapú |
34509.9 |
0.76% |
Amazonas |
| Nhamundá |
23228.6 |
1.34% |
Amazonas |
| Eiru/Gregório |
17814.8 |
1.47% |
Juruá |
| Matupiri |
12143.4 |
0.57% |
Madeira |
| Preto do Igapó Açú |
12866.4 |
0.63% |
Madeira |
| Canumã |
30562.3 |
0.75% |
Madeira |
| Tupana |
5235.8 |
0.87% |
Madeira |
| Manicoré |
25789.8 |
2.24% |
Madeira |
| Preto do Padauari |
15591.8 |
0.11% |
Negro |
| Branco |
25948.9 |
0.15% |
Negro |
| Tapauá |
63630.4 |
0.15% |
Purus |
| Ipixuna |
19706.1 |
1.92% |
Purus |
| Cuiuni |
10733.9 |
0.04% |
Solimões |
| Japurá |
26421.7 |
0.06% |
Solimões |
| Jandiatuba |
14890.4 |
0.14% |
Solimões |
| Mineruazinho |
9678.6 |
0.62% |
Solimões |
| Içá |
13832.7 |
0.72% |
Solimões |
| Tefé |
24518.6 |
1.62% |
Solimões |
Click here to download an extended version of this table.
Overall objective
This project aims to gather or refine biological and socio-environmental information, so as to identify areas with high conservation relevance in pristine regions of the Brazilian Amazon. Partnerships and knowledge exchange with riverside populations are fundamental components in the project, which also aims to bring Amazonian populations up to date and raise their awareness of the nature conservation issue, drawing them in as research collaborators.
Specific objectives (biological)
- Collection of biological material.
- Refinement of knowledge on biogeographic patterns.
- Discovery and description of new taxa.
- Understanding of the relationships between species and environmental factors.
Specific objectives (socio-environmental)
- To take to the riverside dwellers the “stories” told by science, relating them to their own perceptions about the environment and the organisms that sustain them.
- To obtain material generated by traditional populations for public divulging (photos, drawings and other artistic expressions), giving them due credit.
- To promote among riverside populations the importance of immediate conservation actions in the Amazon, raising their awareness to transform them into multiplying agents and allies in Amazon conservation.
Contact Us
Wildlife Conservation Society Brazil - WCS Brazil
Rua Jardim Botânico 674/sala 210
Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22461-000 Brazil
Phone/Fax: (+55) (21) 2259-2989
Email: wcsbrasil@wcs.org